Pocket flashlight



d 4 549 E. H. PHILLHPS POCKET FLASHLIGHT Filed Aug. 2. 1946 ,4free/vin Patented Oct. 4, 1949 U N IT ED ES:

POCKET F'LASHELIG'HCL EugeneH. Phillips, Glendale; Calif., assignortof Lennan Lights, nc., Burbank, Calif.

Applicationnugust 2:19465 seri'arNf. esteri' 901mm.A (CLAW-10.68)

The present invention" relates generally tov swit'ching'means for' electric lights Vandrnore p'aii-l' ticularly to 'fiashlight's'in which'the switch mech-- anism'is incorporated with'meansifor supporting the Vlight bulb. A

Many' attempts haveY been made in the past `to design a pocket' light; ofv the type commonly re-l ferred to as a pen lightv which: was' simple enough' in its' operationand construction to be inexpensiveV to manufacture, andI rugged enough to' op'erate'overA long periods of' time without requiring repair or'replac'ement of parts. It isessential in lights' of' this" general 'type' that they'be very inexpensive" and hence" have a minimum number of'working parts. Furthermore, the nature of the parts' themselves must' be` such-that' they lend" themselves to economical quantity manufacture.' n

While pocket ashlights meeting some of these requirements' have been" manufactured' and s'old; they have had certain disadvantages. Amongl these disadvantages; one'freque'ntly encountered" is that which arises from the' factV that' the switching4 mechanism for turning thelight on` and oi is difficult to operate'in thedark and not* infrequently fails to maintain' a' secure' electrical contact at the'switch points.

It is'then, a'major object of my' invention to provide aA pocket ashlight of the class described requiring only asinfgle' simple pressure' operation' to either turnlon'or extinguish the" light.

Another object' of my invention isv to provide a light ofthe' class described in which the elec'- trical 'contact' ofthe Switchpoint is maintained by springpr'e'ss'ure' duringv the time that the light is on thus' assuring deiinite electrical'contact;

It is a further object of my invention to provide av light having a" minimum number ofworking parts all ofwhich are capable of economical mass production 'and which parts are rugged and simple.'

The foregoing' and other objects and'advanL tages of my invention willappear'from a consid` eration' of the' following description and attached drawings of a pocket light"embodying.thev invention. y

Briefly described'my invention' makes'us' off the center base' 'terminal of a conventionala'sli'- light bulb as'one of thec'ontact pointso'f'a make; breakswitch. The' other' offthe two con'tacts're'- quiredv'for such a'switoli"is',lin the device embody# ing my' invention,A the top" centerV terminal' of a conventional' pen-light battery cell.v Contact' is `made'betweenthesetwo switch points by.- press-'- in'g" the" bulb' inwardly' against" spring pressure" the forward end of' 2:.' encima Contact with-the battery. The-bulb isZ hellJ in this"on position by. means of anovel-a'n# nula'r detent'r'nember4 which4 willbe described iiiiv now behadftotiieattached drawings iii-whicriil' Figure lis alongitud'ina'l brokenlsect-ion talrefrif @nia-@lanethrough theaxislof theshngm andi iwith the* working parts' shownin'I an o'i`" posi-i ion;

Figure' 2-' is\a longitudinal section-of the` front portioniof the vdevice iillustratedlinligure 1f' taken` on-the safmelplane astlie'section in li'igure'vlgvbutfA with' the parts 'inl an on position lFigure 31 is a perspective 1 View ofthe`'ann'uli'i deten't member;

Figure 4` is aiperspective ViewA ofthe releasf sleevel emplciyeol` inl connection; with the'fmer'nber' shown-in Figure 3; and

Figure 5 isi the'bulbcarrying so'elretl employedi intlieillustrated device;

The'- pocket-'light embodying my' invention is" preferably constructedfwith'a tubular metal bodyf Il; from' the' forward: endY of* which'v projects a* conventionalscrewL base na'shligh't"l bulb- WhilfI am lnot limited-'to the-use' thereof, I prei' fer thetypeof bulb having a-flens-like'portiori atl' theV tip 'ofi the bulb which'- fociisses'the lightil ment and-'projects a-substantial portionv` of the'- ligltem'itted bythe'bulb, in: a'folvvarti direction.

InI thepreseiit' case the bulbL lar vsleeve liwhieh inlturniis-'-slidab'ly` mounted inl an internally shoulderedfopenin'g in the rianty portion #E3-tof the-I body- Il. The'A sleeve` I5 is tact'- witha battery infalm'ann'er described-iride* tail-hereinafterf. The b'ulb is thrust forwardlyj (upwardly in Figure' 1V) by a helicalco'n'ipressionVL spririgfl lli' threaded:` int'o the lower end? ofiY the: socket I4; the' forward motionofthebulb l3fbe`^ ing limited by an-exterior shoulderlllh-on the rea-rwardyend ofthe` socket I4 which against the rearward end of sleeve in turn'islnnited in its -forwardvmovement by an exterior shoulder |51' thereon bearing; against anv interior shoulder in theforwardpor` tion H3 ofthe body Il.

The light illustrated is powered'by' oneor sev-` eral conventional "pen-light cellsVA l2; against which, compression spring I1 the sleeve lli.'r TheV is anchored. A second compression spring I9 at the rearward end of the body II supports the rearward end of the battery or batteries I2 thrusting them forwardly against the pressure of the forward compression spring I'I. Thus it will be seen that the battery or batteries I2 are resiliently supported in the interior of the tubular body II and are free to move somewhat in either longitudinal direction.

As has been previously stated the forward center terminal I2I of .the battery I2 is employed as one of two switch points of a make-break switch for making and breaking the circuit from the battery .through the bulb I3. To operate the switch so-formed the bulb I3 is pressed inwardly toward -the battery I2, the socket I4 sliding therewith and compressing the spring I'I. As will be seen in Figure 2 the rearward motion of the bulb I3 brings its center base terminal ISI into electrical contact with the center terminal I2I of the battery I2. Thus, the electrical circuit to the bulb I3 is completed, passing in the -conventional manner through the base of the battery into the compression spring I3 thence to a screw plug 2I threadedly engaged with intern-al threads II2 in the body II, thence through body II, sleeve I5, and/or a detent IB -to be described, and socket I4 back to the bulb. As the center terminals of the bulb and battery I3I and |21 respectively make contact the battery I2 is moved rearwardly against the urging of =the compression spring I3. Thus the electrical contact between the bulb and battery is maintained under a considerable degree of spring pressure.

It is obviously desirable that the bulb I3, having been pressed into the on position, `be automatically held in this position until it is desired to extinguish the light. For this purpose an annular detent member I5, having instruck tongues Ii formed therein, is snapped into an interior vannular recess III formed in the body II. As can be seen in Figures l and 2, the detent member I must be compressed to a diameter equal to or less than the rear `opening of the body II in order to assemble it into ythe interior recess III. To this end the detent I6 is constructed of resilient metal such as, for example, phosphor bronze, and slit along one side as indicated by the numeral |62 in Figure 3. The width of the slot |62 is sucient so that when it is entirely closed by compressing the detent I6, the diameter thereof is sufciently small to enter through the rear of the body II. The detent I6 is assembled in place by compressing it, introducing it through the rear of the body II, sliding it forwardly, and allowing it to expand into the annular recess I I I.

As can be most clearly seen in Figures 1 and 2 the detent I6 is so assembled in the body II that the inwardly struck tongues IBI formed therein project rearwardly. When the bulb I3 and socket I4 carried therewith :are pressed rearwardly into the position shown in Figure 2, the tongues III, because of their resilient nature, snap inwardly behind the shoulder I4I on the rear edge of the socket I4 `thus preventing it from sliding forward under the urging of compression spring II and I9 after the external pressure on the bulb I3 has been released.

When it is desired to extinguish the light, the sleeve I5 is pressed inwardly, whereupon its rearward edge is wedged between the tongues IGI and socket I4 releasing the former from their engagement with the shoulder I4I and allowing the socket to move forward due to the pressure of 4 spring II thus breaking contact between the bulb I3 and the battery I2.

It is to be noted that the sleeve I5 may, if desired, be constructed from a non-conducting material such as a transparent or translucent plastic. If such a material is used for the sleeve I5, the `electric circuit finds its return path through the body II, the detent I6, and thence through the socket I4-as before.

If it is desired to light the light momentarily and to have it extinguish upon the release of pressure, such pressure is applied to the sleeve I5 which thus being forced rearwardly carries the socket I4 therewith by virtue of the engagement of the rearward edge of the sleeve with the shoulder I4I on the socket I4. This arrangement is of particular convenience since a nger applied to the edge of the sleeve I5 does not obscure light emanating from the bulb I3.

If it is desired to carry the light in a pocket, provision is made in the rear plug 2l for mounting a pocket ret-aining clip 2B clamped thereto when the plug is screwed into the threads II2. It is to be noted that sufficient depth of the threads II2 and an annular relief I I4 is provided so that, if desired, the retaining clip 2i) may be removed and a plug 2| screwed down tight against the rearward edge of the body I I.

While the device illustrated herein is adapted for the use of two battery cells I2, it is to be noted that only one part, namely, the tubular .body II, needs to be changed in its longitudinal dimension to :adapt the light for the use of only one cell I2. Single cell pen-lig=hts while having a shorter battery life than those with two cells, are nevertheless, because of the reduced dimensions, more convenient to carry in a handbag, pocket, etc.

One of the 'advantages of the device illustrated herein is that it is adaptable for use of any of the various types of battery cells of standard dimensions. That is, it is unnecessary that there be an annular metal cap at the forward end of the battery cell as provided in some makes of batteries although such a cap in no way interferes with the operation of the present device. Furthermore, it is unnecessary to remove the cardboard covering or modify the cell in any other way in order to adapt it for yuse in this light.

It will be appreciated by those familiar with practices in quantity manufacture, that the device illustrated herein is particularly adapted for mass production since it requires no riveting, spotwelding, soldering, or similar attaching operations in the assembly thereof. The only threaded securing member is the rear cap 2|, which also serves to provide access for replacement -of batteries.

While the device illustrated and described herein is fully capable of attaining the objects and providing the advantages 'hereinbefore stated, it is capable of considera-ble modiiication within the spirit of the invention. Therefore, I do not mean to be limited to the form shown and described herein `but rather to the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a flashlight of the class described the combination of a tubular body adapted to re ceive a battery having an end terminal therein;

a light bulb having a base terminal and positioned to normally project from said body; a tubular socket for said bulb supported in said body for longitudinal sliding motion therein whereby said bulb terminal selectively makes or breaks electrical contact with said battery terminal; a springanchored againstthe;y terminalend'of saidlbattery, adaptedand positioned to urge said socket away from said battery; adetent mounted insaidbody adjacent said socket and'I adapted to engage and hold said socket against the urging of said spring to maintain said electrical contact; and a release member slidably supported in said body surrounding a portion of said bulb and movable independently ofsaid socket to disengage said detent from said socket to allow the latter to move under the urging of said spring and break said electric contact.

2. In a flashlight of the class describedL the combination of: a tubular body adapted to receivea battery having an end terminal therein; a light bulb having a base terminal and positioned to normally project from said body; an internally threaded socket supportingsaid bulb, having an external'shouder thereon, and being supported in said body for longitudinal sliding motion therein whereby said bulb terminal selectively makes or breaks electrical contact tocomplete or break an electrical circuit through saidbulb; a helical compression spring engaged with the threads of said socket and adapted to urge said socket and'bulbY carried thereby outA of said contact; a detent mounted in said body and" adapted to engage said shoulder and hold said socket against the urging of said spring whereby to maintain said contact; and a release member slidably supported in said body surrounding a portion of said bulb and adapted to disengage said detent from said socket whereby to allow the same to move under the urging of said spring and break said circuit.

3. In a ashlight of the class described the combination of a tubular body adapted to receive a battery having an end terminal therein; a light bulb having a base terminal and positioned to normally project from said body; an internally threaded socket supporting said bulb, having an external shoulder thereon, and being supported in said body for longitudinal sliding motion therein whereby said bulb terminal selectively makes or breaks an electrical contact to complete or break an electrical circuit through said bulb; a helical compression spring engaged with the threads of said socket and adapted to urge said socket and bulb carried thereby out of said contact; an internal shoulder formed in said body adapted to limit said spring urged motion of said bulb; a detent mounted in said body and adapted to engage said external shoulder and hold said socket against the urging of said spring whereby to maintain said electrical contact; and a release member slidably supported in said body surrounding a portion of said bulb and adapted to disengage said detent from said socket whereby to allow the same to move under the urging of said spring and break said circuit.

4. In a flashlight of the class described the combination of: a tubular body adapted to receive a battery having an end terminal herein; a light bulb having a base terminal and positioned to normally project from said body; an internally threaded socket supporting said bulb, having an external shoulder thereon, and being supported in said body for longitudinal sliding motion therein whereby said bulb terminal selectively makes or breaks an electrical contact to complete or break an electrical circuit through said bulb; a helical compression spring engaged with the threads of said socket and adapted to urge said socket and bulb carried thereby out of v receive a' li'ght bulb;` aV xed terminal adjacent saidr socket adapted'l to` makeY electrical contact"i withV a` bulb held i'nsaid socket when the latter is moved axially inwardly-to a closed circuiti position; afixed" detent: adapted tol engage said? socket and hold thesamein' said closed circuit' position; av spring operatively associated with saidsocket and adapted to urgethesamefout of.y said` closed circuit' position; andia manually operable member mounted adjacent said socket forA inward; motion independent of saidV socket to. disengage saiddetent from said socket and? permit: the same'to move out of said closedcircuit position. y

6; In' a flashlight of the class described .the combination of: a tubular bodyfhaving-an inter-- nal shoulder in the forward end thereof; a battery having a forward end terminal mounted in said body for resiliently constrained longitudinal motion therein; a sleeve having a medial external shoulder thereon, said sleeve being slidably positioned in the forward end of said body, projecting therefrom and with said external shoulder normally seated against said internal shoulder; a bulb-receiving socket having an external shoulder formed on the rear end thereof, said socket being slidably supported within said sleeve and with said external shoulder on said socket normally seated against the rear edge of said sleeve; a compression spring threadedly engaged with said socket and anchored against the forward end of said battery whereby to urge said socket and sleeve into said normal positions thereof; a flashlight bulb mounted in said socket and having a base terminal normally spaced from said battery terminal, said bulb normally positioned to project from said body whereby said bulb is adapted to be forced rearwardly carrying said socket therewith and effecting electrical contact of said bulb and battery terminals; and an annular detent i'lxedly mounted in said body having rearwardly extending instruck tongues formed therein adapted and positioned to engage said socket shoulder and hold said bulb in said contact with said battery, said tongue being further adapted to be f, disengaged from said socket shoulder by rearward motion of said sleeve.

7. In a flashlight of the class described, the combination of a tubular housing adapted to receive a battery therein; a light bulb receiving socket mounted for inward and outward longitudinal sliding motion in said housing adjacent an end thereof whereby to carry a light bulb in said socket selectively into or out of electrical contact with said battery; spring means interposed between said battery and socket and adapted to normally urge said socket outwardly; catch means mounted in said housing, positioned and adapted to engage said socket when the same has been moved inwardly to effect said battery contact, said catch means being further adapted to mainceive a battery therein; a light bulb; a support A for said bulb adapted to hold the same with a light producing portion thereof projecting beyond said housing, said support being slidably mounted adjacent an end of said housing for longitudinal motion therein selectively inwardly to make electrical contact between said bulb and battery or outwardly to break said contact; a spring anchored in said housing and urging said support outwardly; a detent xed in said housing positioned and adapted to engage said support and hold the same in said inward position; and a member in said housing adjacent said detent adapted for motion independent of said support and projecting from said housing whereby manual operation of said member is effective to move said detent means and release the same, permitting said spring to urge said support outwardly to break said contact.

9. In light bulb supporting and switching means of the class described, the combination of 30 a tubular body; means movably mounted adj'- cent an'end of said body to support a projecting light bulb for limited motion to complete or break an electrical circuit therethrough; holding means associated with said body adapted to engage and hold said support means in a circuit completing position; resilient means operatively connected between said body and said support means to urge the latter out of said circuit completing position and a separately movable release member mounted in said body and having a portion thereof projecting beyond said body for manual operation to disengage said holding means from said support means to break said circuit.

EUGENE H. PHILLIPS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,144,201 Hipwell June 22, 1915 1,734,565 Douglas Nov. 5, 1929 1,761,437 Douglas June 3, 1930 2,164,148 Swanson June 27, 1939 2,312,305 Berlinger Mar. 2, 1943 

